Choose from 73 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya The Yucatan
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Puerto Morelos National Reef Park
Set equidistant between Playa del Carmen and glitzy, busy Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a laidback beach town on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. While some visitors come for the sunshine, sand, serenity, and cenotes, many come here to dive or snorkel the Puerto Morelos Reef Park. As part of the world’s second largest coral reef system, Puerto Morelos became protected in 1998, and today is tightly administered and monitored to ensure the health of the reef. Unlike other sections of the reef—which runs for 600 miles—the corals found off Puerto Morelos are relatively close to the shore. When scouring the 80° water for marine life, watch as schools of colorful fish all flit and swim in unison, and keep an eye out for barracuda, lobster, star fish, or conch shells. In total, over 500 different species of marine life inhabit this vast stretch of reef—a whole new world that’s waiting underwater just 500 yards from the shore.
Practical Info
Swimming from shore is not allowed inside the National Reef Park, and all visitors must wear eco-friendly sunscreen and life jackets while snorkeling are mandatory.
Address: Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico
From $ 35
Labna
Labna is an excellent site for archaeology lovers and architectural buffs with its Mayan building ruins that were built in the ancient Puuc style. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula by the larger Uxmal ruins, Labna is a compact structure hidden within the Puuc Hills. Though smaller than some of the other Mayan ruin compounds in Mexico, it is impressive nonetheless. Labna was once used as a ceremonial center by the Mayans during the pre-Columbian era.
Labna’s impressive Gateway Arch is still standing today, and visitors can stand under it and walk through it while marveling at its intricate construction. It is believed that this arch was used to signify the start of the area of the ancient village where the priest and the elite people of Labna lived. Relief designs are etched into the side of the arch, providing impressive details that visitors love taking pictures of. Labna, along with the Uxmal ruins, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is estimated that Labna was inhabited by as many as 2,000 people between 750 AD and 1,000 AD.
Practical Info
Labna is located a little over two hours south of Merida and is accessible by car or tour bus.
Address: Labna, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 1,054
Nohoch Nah Chich
Dive into the depths of the Yucatan’s longest subterranean cave system at Nohoch Nah Chich outside Cancun. Exploring this enormous cenote studded with stalactites and stalagmites offers the experience of a lifetime for diving enthusiasts, while nondivers can swim and snorkel in its freshwater rivers and pools.
The Basics
Nohoch Nah Chich, whose name is Mayan for “giant bird cage,” is an easily accessible cenote popular for diving day trips with certified diving guides from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It’s part of the Yucatan’s vast Sac Actun cave system, which extends for more than 216 miles (348 kilometers) and stretches 5 miles (8 kilometers) inland. At Nohoch Nah Chich you can learn about the formation and history of the underwater caves that the ancient Maya believed were sacred portals to the underworld.
You can visit the cenote independently or on a day tour from Cancun or Playa del Carmen that may also include rappelling, ziplining, and a ride in an all-terrain vehicle. If you want to avoid renting a car in Mexico, you can opt for a tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nohoch Nah Chich is a must-see for divers and snorkelers visiting the area.
- Diving in the cenote is for experienced divers only; nondivers can swim and snorkel.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, and bring sun protection and mosquito repellent.
- The cenote offers basic facilities, including parking and restrooms.
How to Get There
The main entrance to Nohoch Nah Chich is in the Maya community of Rancho San Felipe, about 2.8 miles (4.6 kilometers) south of Cenote Dos Ojos on Highway 307. It’s accessible either by private tour or your own transportation.
When to Get There
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich is open year-round and cenote tours operate in all weather conditions. Winter brings large numbers of travelers to the Yucatan; during this time, plan to arrive early to beat the crowds.
Rancho San Felipe
While at Nohoch Nah Chich, set aside some time to explore Rancho San Felipe and meet the residents of this modern-day Maya community. The ranch belongs to a Maya family that has lived in this remote jungle location for over 30 years. Experience a traditional purification ceremony led by the village shaman and taste homemade classic Maya fare.
Address: Riviera Maya, Mexico
From $ 119
Playa Norte
Playa Norte (North Beach) is a gorgeous, relaxing beach located on Isla Mujeres, a small island off the Yucatan Peninsula. Isla Mujeres means the “Island of Women,” but both women and men will love lounging at Playa Norte.
Known for its many palm trees and white sand beach, Playa Norte stretches along the northern end of Isla Mujeres, where beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rental. Though its water is shallow, swimmers need to be aware that there can sometimes be a strong undertow; swim with caution. Experienced swimmers and snorkelers will enjoy paddling around to see the underwater sea life, and onsite shops have snorkeling gear to rent along with kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
In addition to water activities, Playa Norte is also home to a slew of fun beach bars and restaurants. Take a minute away from the beach for a tropical drink or some fresh seafood.
Practical Info
Playa Norte and the rest of Isla Mujeres is easily accessible from Cancun with daily boats leaving frequently from several different harbors, with some departing every half hour.
Address: Playa Norte, Isla Mujeres, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 54
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
With its miles of untamed jungle and sizable population of free-roaming spider monkeys, the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is one of the best places to get up-close to the Yucatan’s varied wildlife. The 5,000-hectare reserve is home to more than 600 spider and howler monkeys, as well as pumas, crocodiles, coati, white-tailed deer and a large variety of tropical birds.
The impressive centerpiece of the reserve is a huge 90-hectare lake, where it’s possible to enjoy canoeing and kayaking, while other popular activities include hiking through the jungle, rappelling between the underground caves and zip-lining through the jungle canopy. The reserve is also home to a traditional Mayan village, where visitors can tour the thatched-roof homes, sample local cuisine and learn about the indigenous population.
Practical Info
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is located around 60 km northwest of Tulum.
Address: Tulum, Mexico
From $ 135
Playacar
Playacar is a gated community just south of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, which is known for its all-inclusive resorts and private beachfront villas. It's ideal for those who want to stay right on the sand and still be close to the excitement of Fifth Avenue. Playacar’s wide and not-too-crowded beaches are some of the nicest in Playa.
The Basics
Playacar's resorts have gourmet restaurants, gorgeous pools, and offer a wide range of amenities for a relaxing and luxurious stay. Some of the big names that you’ll find here include Riu, Palace, and Occidental. Carved into the jungle, Playacar’s challenging 18-hole golf course is one of the top courses on the Riviera Maya. The neighborhood is also home to a bird aviary, an open-air shopping plaza, and a small group of Maya ruins.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Playacar tourist areas.
- Bring sun protection and a hat or sunglasses, as the streets, golf course, and beaches offer little shade.
- Set aside some time to walk or take a taxi into the downtown area to shop and experience Fifth Avenue.
How to Get There
Most visitors to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula arrive at Cancun International Airport, which is 45 to 60 minutes north of Playacar by car depending on traffic. If you’re vacationing in Playacar, chances are your resort will offer transportation options, or you can book a shuttle from the airport or rent a car there. Taxis are readily available to take visitors to and from Playa del Carmen’s bus station and downtown.
When to Get There
Playacar can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest. Other times of the year are less crowded. From May to October, expect higher-than-average humidity and a chance of wet weather.
Plaza Playacar
If you love to shop and want a mall experience that differs from what you’ll find back home, you don’t have to go any farther than Plaza Playacar. This small open-air Spanish colonial–style mall is full of shops that guarantee authenticity and quality. In addition to artisan crafts and Maya clothing and embroidery, you’ll also find T-shirts, key chains, and other souvenirs.
Address: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
From $ 59
Maya Museum (Museo Maya)
Take a break from the beaches of Cancun to explore artifacts from Mexico’s ancient past at the Maya Museum, one of the largest created by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. Inside the museum, visitors can see incredible items recovered from sites like Chichen Itza and Tulum, including the Woman of the Palms, ancient skeletal remains found submerged in a water-filled cave near Tulum. Next to the museum is an ancient archaeological site called San Miguelito, where visitors can stroll among the ruins and gardens.
Practical Info
The Maya Museum is located at the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, making it easily reached by taxi or bus. It’s open every day except Mondays, and the $4/person entrance fee is well worth it to explore such unique remnants of Mayan history.
Address: Km. 16.5 Kukulcan Blvd., Cancun 77500, Mexico
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Admission costs 65 pesos (about $4) per person
From $ 5
Avenida Kukulkan
Avenida Kukulkan, also known as Cancun’s Hotel Zone, is a pulsing thoroughfare lined with oceanfront resorts that separate the Caribbean Sea from the Nichupte Lagoon. This long, flat strip is home to some of Cancun’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife. From Avenida Kukulkan, various paths lead out to a limitless stretch of white sand.
The Basics
If you’re vacationing in Cancun, chances are you’ll end up at one of the resorts along Avenida Kukulkan. There’s lots to see and do here, including shopping, surfing, and more. After dark, visitors flock to Party Center, right in the middle of the Hotel Zone, to drink and dance the night away at Cancun’s hottest clubs.
Party-goers who want to avoid the hassle of planning transport can opt for a skip-the-line nightlife tour that includes unlimited drinks plus hotel pickup and drop-off.
Things to Know Before You Go
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
- Paths leading out to the beach are easy to spot from Avenida Kukulkan.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water, as the strip and beaches offer little shade.
- Get a taste of Maya culture at the Cancun Maya Museum and San Miguelito.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Avenida Kukulkan, located just minutes from downtown. Most visitors arrive by airport transfer, taxi, or public transport—the R1 or R2 buses travel the length of the Hotel Zone. If you’re driving, head eastbound on Avenida Coba and continue straight through the intersection with Avenida Bonampak.
When to Get There
Cancun can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, and the weeks before and after Easter are also some of the busiest. Other times of year are less crowded. From May to October, expect higher-than-average humidity and a chance of wet weather.
Cancun Maya Museum
While it may not be the most authentic corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, Avenida Kukulkan does offer pockets of culture. At Km 16.5, the Maya Museum showcases centuries-old artifacts from ancient Maya sites throughout the Yucatan region. The museum sits alongside a patch of jungle with a small group of well-preserved Maya ruins known as San Miguelito.
Address: Blvd. Kukulcán, Cancún, Q.R. Mexico 77500, Mexico
From $ 39
Captain Hook Pirate Ship
There are dozens of ways to see Cancun but one of the most entertaining is aboard the Captain Hook Pirate Ship. Spend an evening enjoying dinner served by salty sea men followed by dancing on the deck and an all-night open bar.
The cannon’s fire signals the departure of this famous ship. As the night progresses visitors can enjoy tales from the high sea, as well as a live enemy attack complete with swords and pistols. A ride aboard the Captain Hook Pirate Ship is the perfect way to experience life on the sea without the fear of being forced to walk the plank.
Practical Info
An evening aboard the Capital Hook Pirate Ship includes dinner, an open bar and a live performance. Roundtrip transportation from most hotels is available for an extra cost.
Address: Playa Linda km 4, Cancun, Mexico
Admission: See website for prices
From $ 70
Nohoch Mul
Scale the ancient stone steps of the Yucatan’s tallest Mayan pyramid, Nohoch Mul, which overlooks the ruins of the Coba archeological site. Coba was once a grand town, comparable in size to the more popular Chichen Itza, and at 137 feet tall, Nohoch Mul stands some 40 feet taller than Chichen Itza’s El Castillo pyramid. At the top, you’ll find a small temple with sculptures of a descending god. Only a small fraction of Coba has been excavated, even the backside of Nohoch Mul remains enshrouded by jungle, and from the top of the pyramid, you can see jungle-covered hills in the distance that are in fact yet-to-be-uncovered structures.
Practical Info
Coba sits inland, about 40 minutes drive from the coastal town of Tulum. The site has bathrooms at the entrance, but is otherwise far less developed than spots like Cichen Itza. At the entrance, you can hire walking guides and pedi-cab tours, or simply rent a bicycle to tour on your own.
Address: Coba, Mexico
Hours: Every day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Entrance to the Coba archeological site costs about $4
From $ 70
Rio Secreto Nature Reserve
Rio Secreto, or the “Secret River,” is a series of caves carved out by the flow of an ancient underground river in Mexico. While the reserve is most famous for its large half-sunken cavern—a popular diving spot—you can also explore eerie passageways, swim in the river, and admire dripping stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful mineral formations.
The Basics
Most Rio Secreto tours leave from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, and other Riviera Maya destinations. At the nature reserve, you can tour the underground river, visit the famous Crystal Caves, and learn about ancient Maya legends. Combo tours combine a visit to Rio Secreto with other activities, such as an early-access visit to the Tulum ruins, a mountain biking excursion, or an ATV tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is a must-see attraction for nature lovers.
- The reserve is accessible by guided tour only.
- Bring water shoes to navigate the reserve’s rocky surfaces.
- Tours typically include a wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, towels, and use of lockers.
How to Get There
The Rio Secreto underground river is located in Playa del Carmen, in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. By road, it is roughly 20 minutes from downtown Playa del Carmen, 45 minutes from Tulum, and one hour from Cancun. Many tours include round-trip transportation from Riviera Maya hotels, but you can also get there by taxi, rental car, or shuttle bus.
When to Get There
Rio Secreto is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities.
What to See Near Rio Secreto
Mexico’s Caribbean Quintana Roo region is full of attractions, both natural and man-made. Nearby Playa del Carmen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. The Maya ruins at Coba, with a 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid, are also a must-see. The archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, visit the shores of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.
Address: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
From $ 46
Ría Lagartos
Love flamingos? Then head to Ría Lagartos, a little fishing village in the Mexican Riviera that is home to Parque Natural Ría Lagartos, a stunning park and biosphere reserve.
Ría Lagartos Park is situated alongside a long estuary, and more than 380 bird species reside here, including tens of thousands of flamingos, who treat Parque Natural Ría Lagartos as their breeding ground. In addition to the pink feathered bird, visitors can see egrets, herons, pelicans and falcons. If visiting at the right time of year, you also may get to see sea turtles coming up on shore to lay their eggs on the beach. Ría Lagartos is also a great place to do some fishing.
Practical Info
Ría Lagartos is located about a three-hour drive south from Cancun.
Address: Ría Lagartos, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 108
Quintana Roo
Quintana Roo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Also dubbed the Mexican Caribbean due to the sea it borders, Quintana Roo is home to tropical beaches, ecological islands, party-central cities and Mayan ruins.
In the gorgeous city of Cancun, spend your days lying on the soft sandy beaches and swimming in warm, clear water before changing into your dancing clothes and heading to one of the beach clubs Cancun is known for. Experience Quintana Roo’s turquoise water more in-depth with a jaunt to the island of Cozumel, which has some of the best scuba diving in all of Mexico. You’ll have the chance to see tropical fish, sea turtles, eels and – if they’re migrating through – whale sharks.
Quintana Roo also provides easy access to parts of the massive Mundo Maya, of which Tulum is one of its most famous parts when it comes to Mayan ruins. Visit the impressive Tulum Observatory, an ancient ruin that borders the ocean. You’ll also find adventure parks, cenotes, wildlife and more in Quintana Roo, so whether you’re looking for sand, surf or history, you'll find what you're looking for.
Practical Info
Quintana Roo is a Mexican state in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Address: Quintana Roo, The Yucatan, Mexico
From $ 39
Chichen Itza
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza—meaning "at the mouth of the well of the Itza"—is Mexico's most-visited archaeological site, a magnificent display of the advanced civilization of the Maya people and the ceremonial center of the Yucatan.
The Basics
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage site, made up of many stone buildings in various states of preservation, all connected by a network of roads called sacbeob. The three most well-known of these monument complexes are El Castillo, the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.
How To Get There
Chichen Itza is roughly two hours from Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Quintana Roo by car. Visitors to those coastal resorts will have plenty of options for day trips to the archaeological site. Departures are also available from Cozumel and Merida.
When to Get There
The best time to get to Chichen Itza is at opening time, before the crowds arrive and the sun is high in the sky. Some private tours and small-group tours offer early access to the ancient ruins. At sunrise and sunset on the spring and fall equinoxes, the corner of the pyramid casts a shadow of Kukulkan, a feathered serpent god, creating the illusion of a snake slithering down the north side with the sun's movement.
Nearby Cenotes
The Basics
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage site, made up of many stone buildings in various states of preservation, all connected by a network of roads called sacbeob. The three most well-known of these monument complexes are El Castillo, the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.
The highlight of Chichen Itza's Mayan ruins is the Kukulcan Pyramid, known as El Castillo. Mesoamerican cultures occasionally built larger pyramids on top of smaller ones, and this is the case for the 79-foot (24-meter) step pyramid of El Castillo, where an excavation discovered a temple with an elaborate jaguar throne. History and archaeology buffs would do well to choose a tour that combines a visit to Chichen Itza with the ruins at Ek Balam, Coba, and Valladolid. Alternatively, choose a tour with access to the Mayaland Resort and a buffet lunch.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many tours are led by archaeologist tour guides, who are well-versed in Mayan culture.
- The Ossario group and Central group are open to everyone; Chichen Viejo (Old Chichen) is only open to archaeologists.
- Come prepared for the heat with light clothing, sunscreen, bottled water, and a hat.
- This popular site can get extremely crowded—book an early-access tour to beat the crowds.
Chichen Itza is roughly two hours from Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Quintana Roo by car. Visitors to those coastal resorts will have plenty of options for day trips to the archaeological site. Departures are also available from Cozumel and Merida.
When to Get There
The best time to get to Chichen Itza is at opening time, before the crowds arrive and the sun is high in the sky. Some private tours and small-group tours offer early access to the ancient ruins. At sunrise and sunset on the spring and fall equinoxes, the corner of the pyramid casts a shadow of Kukulkan, a feathered serpent god, creating the illusion of a snake slithering down the north side with the sun's movement.
Nearby Cenotes
The Cenote Sagrado is also an impressive natural site at Chichen Itza, featuring a sinkhole gateway into an underground body of water 197 feet (60 meters) in diameter. Another nearby cenote is Ik Kil, and some Chichen Itza day trips combine visits to these freshwater sinkholes on the Yucatan Peninsula with a stop at the ruins.
Address: Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Mexico
Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
Admission: Adults: 95 pesos, Children (12yrs and under): Free
From $ 15
Garrafon Natural Reef Park
Located just outside Cancun, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is a natural amusement park that offers recreational activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining, and biking. With colorful coral reefs, tropical hills, and rugged coastal cliffs, Garrafon Natural Reef Park allows you to experience some of the best of Mexico’s outdoor treasures.
The Basics
Garrafon Natural Reef Park offers more than 20 land- and water-based activities. Strap yourself into a harness and glide through the air on a zipline, explore the island by bike, hike to an ancient Maya temple, or relax in a lounge chair by the beach. Or take a dip in the clear Caribbean Sea, kayak, snorkel, or swim with dolphins.
Most tours of Garrafon Natural Reef Park leave from Cancun and include pickup and drop-off from local hotels. Basic ticket packages include buffet lunch, snorkel equipment, life jackets, kayaks, hammocks, pool entry, and ziplining. Upgraded packages include add-ons such as an open bar, VIP lounge access, and gourmet meals.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Garrafon Natural Reef Park is ideal for nature lovers and thrill seekers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and a swimsuit.
- Visitor facilities include lockers, restrooms, restaurants, and a bar.
- Reservations for activities at the park are highly recommended.
How to Get There
Garrafon Natural Reef Park is located on the southern point of Isla Mujeres, an island roughly 30 minutes by ferry from Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Some tours include roundtrip transportation, but you can also travel by taxi or rental car.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Must-do Experiences at Garrafon Natural Reef Park
Ideal for nature lovers and families with kids, Dolphin Discovery allows you to swim with these friendly marine mammals, as well as sea lions, manatees, sharks, and stingrays. For a more laid-back experience, the park’s infinity pool offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Cancun bay. The park’s zipline which, allows you to cruise through the air at almost 100 feet (30.5 meters) above sea level, is another must-do.
Address: Camino Sac Bajo, Lote 26 Fraccionamiento Paraíso Laguna Mar, Isla Mujeres, QROO Mexico 77400, Mexico
From $ 69
Escenica Tower (Torre Escenica)
Because Cancun is a flat coastal plain, you don’t really need to gain much elevation for a sweeping view of the town. Imagine, then, the panoramic view from atop Escenica Tower (Torre Escénica), considering the tower puts you 264 feet above the town. As part of the Xcaret network of sights, Escenica Tower offers visitors a view of the massive Xcaret complex, as well as the string of Cancun beaches all the way out to Cozumel in the distance. This is the highest point on the Riviera Maya, and because the enclosed, air-conditioned platform slowly rotates while climbing the tower, all you need to do is look out the window and take in the time-stopping view.
Insider's Tip: For an exceptionally dramatic view of Cancun, visit the tower at sunset.
Practical Info
The Torre Escénica is located on the Embarcadero of Playa Linda. The tower can fit up to 60 people at a time, and includes a short history of the surrounding area as well as the sights you can see from the top. The ride is accessible to travelers with mobility issues, and lasts about 15 minutes.
Address: Torre Escénica Cancun, Blvd Kukulkan, Cancun, Mexico
Hours: 9am-9pm daily
Admission: $15 for adults, $7.50 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and under.
From $ 15
Choco Story
The Choco Story is an eco-chocolate museum near the Uxmal ruins of the Yucatan. It sits on the site of an original hacienda and now operates as an interactive museum and cacao bean plantation. Its focus on the history, culture, and sustainability of cacao growth in the area makes for a unique and educational visit. The growth and production here is run in a community-driven, eco-friendly manner and is fair trade.
Exhibits tell the story of cacao in this region, its importance and use in the Mayan culture, as well as economic and health properties. Visitors can view indigenous plants, experience chocolate cooking demonstrations, and even take part in a Mayan ceremony. The museum teaches about the differences between dark, milk, and white chocolate. Near the end of the museum route there is an interactive tasting, which unsurprisingly many cite as their favorite part of the experience.
Practical Info
Choco Story is located across the street from the entrance to the Uxmal ruins, at kilometer 78 of the Campeche-Merida road. It is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, and costs 120 pesos to enter. Plan 1-2 hours to see the entire museum.
Address: Campeche-Merida Road, Uxmal, Mexico
Hours: Open daily 8 am - 5 pm
Admission: 120 pesos
From $ 88
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is a welcome respite from the crowded beaches and bustling nightclubs that make Cancun a popular Spring Break destination. One of the highest points in the city, this beach lies just beyond the “Hotel Zone” strip and offers breathtaking views perfect for tropical vacation photo ops. The quiet stretch of sand is ideal for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing lounge and the untouched nature of Playa Delfines makes it a favorite among travelers eager to get off the beaten path. Be advised, its rustic feel means there are few places to purchase food or drink, so it’s best to pack your own. And while the shores are calm, the undercurrent can be rough and waves impressive, so proceed with caution when dipping your toes in the ocean here.
Practical Info
Playa Delfines is about 18 kilometers from El Centro and accessible by taxi or local bus from the ADO station. The beach also offers free public parking, though spots can be hard to find.
Address: Cancun, Mexico
From $ 15
Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida)
The pedestrian-only Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) runs parallel to the ocean in downtown Playa del Carmen. This bustling tourist strip provides easy beach access and is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Lining Fifth Avenue are shops aplenty, including those selling artisan crafts, fine jewelry, and cigars.
The Basics
A walk along Fifth Avenue is the best way to experience the lively atmosphere of Playa del Carmen. In addition to abundant shops and eateries, street vendors sell everything from fresh coconuts to handicrafts and sunglasses, and street performers are often seen entertaining the masses. The hotels on Fifth Avenue boast an ideal location, just steps from the beach and downtown attractions.
Visit Fifth Avenue independently or as part of a Playa del Carmen sightseeing tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun. Tours typically include a visit to Maya ruins and/or a cenote swim. There are also popular Fifth Avenue evening tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fifth Avenue is ideal for those looking for a meal, a drink, and/or souvenirs and other goods to take home.
- Bring sun protection and plenty of water, as there is little shade along Fifth Avenue.
- English is widely spoken in almost all of the Playa del Carmen tourist areas.
How to Get There
Fifth Avenue is located in downtown Playa del Carmen. If you take a bus into the city, it’ll likely be the first place you see—the ADO Bus Station sits on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Avenida Benito Juarez. Many resorts along Mexico’s Riviera Maya provide bus service to Playa del Carmen during the week.
When to Get There
As with all of the Riviera Maya, Fifth Avenue is almost always crowded, except for early in the morning before the shops open (businesses have varying opening hours). Winter brings large numbers of travelers to Playa del Carmen, and the weeks before and after Easter are some of the busiest.
Fundadores Park (El Zócalo)
Located just off the ferry dock, Fundadores Park (El Zócalo) is a beachside park that sits along Fifth Avenue. It’s the heart of old Playa del Carmen and the main square from which the rest of the tourist area branches out. The perimeter of the park is lined with shops selling local crafts and souvenirs, restaurants, popular hotels, a bandstand, Our Lady of Carmen church, the arched beachside Portal Maya sculpture, and a playground for kids.
Address: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
From $ 59
Progreso Cruise Port
Located on the Yucatan peninsula where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea, the Mexican port of Progreso is a jumping-off point for tours to the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen Itza (100 miles/160 km away), Uxmal (70 miles/115 km) and Dzibilchaltun (18 miles/30 km). Book a shore excursion or make your own way to the site of your choice by taxi or rental car (both found at the port).
If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.
How to Get to Mérida
You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.
One Day in Mérida
Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.
Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.
Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.
For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.
If you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan day in port, head to the city of Mérida, the capital of Yucatan both politically and culturally, where you can soak up the colonial atmosphere by walking along the square, admiring the European-style architecture or stumbling upon a free concert.
How to Get to Mérida
You’ll dock at the Progreso pier, which at 5 miles (8 km) in length is one of the world’s longest. A shuttle takes passengers from ships to the base of the pier, where you can rent a car or grab a cab to make the 20-mile (35-km) drive.
One Day in Mérida
Begin at Plaza Grande, Mérida’s main square, which puts you in the center of the old town. Work your way around the square, picking up a souvenir or two and checking out the historic sights on all sides.
Don’t miss the House of Montejo (Casa de Montejo) built in 1549 and once home to the family of the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo, and Mérida’s cathedral (the Catedral de San Ildefonso), which was constructed during the last half of the 16th century on the site of a Mayan temple.
Take a breather with a cup of coffee or some lunch in the plaza, and then head north from the square along Calle Ciudad toward the Paseo Montejo, a tree-lined boulevard where you’ll find the Palacio Canton, a former palace that houses the Museo Regional de Antropología (Anthropology Museum). Step inside and be wowed by the exhibits that track the region’s history back to ancient times.
For more of Yucatan’s cultural past, jump in a cab and head to the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Great Museum of the Maya World), a recent addition (opened in 2012) to the city’s already-rich cultural offerings. Inside the modern exterior, explore the hundreds of pieces jewelry, ceramics and other Mayan artifacts.
Port Information
The currency is the Mexican peso, although the US dollar is widely accepted in many tourist-frequented shops and restaurants. There is an Internet cafe at the terminal.
Address: Progreso, YUC, Mexico
From $ 99